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BLIND FAITH
Blind Faith Deluxe Edition (Polydor)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale
Back in the heady days of 1969, news that Eric Clapton, Stevie Winwood and Ginger Baker were putting together a new band created a faith that was anything but blind. Between them, the three had been principles in two of the most commercially and artistically successful bands of the era. Bassist Rick Grech was less well known to stateside audiences, but his tenure in the Family had produced British chart toppers and, well, there was Clapton, Winwood and Baker to consider.
Faith loomed so large that their initial tour began to sell out before their first album was committed to tape, let alone pressed on vinyl. As it turned out, that initial tour and first album were destined to be the last of each, as well, but the anticipation of the first "super group" was one of the landmark events in the history of rock 'n roll hype. It was also one of the most richly fulfilled events in that often disappointing history.
If it's surprising that a mere six tracks could produce a thirty year legend, it can only be surprising to those who have somehow managed to avoid hearing them. Simply put, Blind Faith contains some of the best recorded work of three of the finest musicians in the annals of rock. While Grech never achieved the lasting notoriety of his bandmates, he also made an outstanding contribution both on bass and violin. His extended rhythm conversation on Ginger Baker's feature, "Do What You Like," is a touchstone for fans of bass and drum solos (granted, the number of such fans may have diminished over time, but they were a big part of a 60's rock show, and Grech and Baker were among the best). The six songs on the original Blind Faith album are essential in any comprehensive rock collection.
They are, of course, all here. The big news, though, is that this Deluxe Edition contains over an hour and a half of previously unheard Blind Faith material, including rehearsal jams, alternate versions of album cuts and new mixes of material which has appeared on compilations over the years since the band parted ways on the heels of their trip through America.
A version of "Sleeping On The Ground" and an electric version of "Can't Find My Way Home" have appeared on Clapton and Winwood retrospectives, but these are new and appealing mixes. The first of the completely unheard material is "Acoustic Jam," a nearly sixteen minute blues workout with Clapton's acoustic guitar in counterpoint to Winwood's piano. That's followed by a Stevie Winwood composition, "Time Winds." While the band was dissatisfied even after 50 takes, the three and a quarter minutes offered here show a song with considerable potential as a jamming vehicle. Disc one ends with a slow blues version of "Sleeping On The Ground," which is a classic Clapton blues performance hearkening back to his Bluesbreakers days.
Disc two features four extended jams by Clapton, Baker and Winwood, joined by percussionist Guy Warner. These were laid down in the earliest days of the band's development. It's a picture of three exceptional musicians finding their way around each other in search of a new musical concept. These explorations contain some superb moments, and would have sent any sold out house in the world away satisfied. The opportunity to hear musicians of this caliber playing solely for their own benefit is an opportunity not to be missed.
A quality remaster of the original Blind Faith album would be more than enough reason to send you to the CD shop. The inclusion of the additional material, and the excellent packaging with original art, archival photos and extensive historical annotation make this package truly deluxe and one of this year's essential re-issues.
Track Lists:
Disc One: Had To Cry Today * Can't Find My Way Home * Well All Right * Presence Of The Lord * Sea Of Joy * Do What You Like * Sleeping In The Ground (unreleased mix) * Can't Find My Way Home - Electric Version (unreleased mix) * Acoustic Jam (unreleased) * Time Winds (unreleased) Sleeping In The Ground - Slow Blues Version (unreleased)
Disc Two:: Jam No. 1: "Very Long & Good Jam" (unreleased) * Jam No. 2: "Slow Jam #1 (unreleased) * Jam No. 3: "Change Of Address Jam" (unreleased) * Jam No.4: "Slow Jam #2" (unreleased) :
© 2001 - Shaun Dale